papaindigo wrote:
Wow if you got 12+ years and 135,000 miles out of the CRD's OEM tstat it was a flipping miracle. The 6 or so OEM failures (open/opening too early; either way engine runs cold) have all been under 50,000 miles. Of course failed open or opening too soon doesn't mean you cannot run infidelity if you don't mind an mpg penalty; poor cabin heat; etc.
Agree on the mileage. 50k is about what can be reliably figured as average from what I've learned. There may be some here and there that can last double, and about the same amount that go bad within 2k
Don't go cheap unless you plan on flipping the vehicle within a year or 2. If it's a secondary vehicle or recreational use only, I might lean towards OEM. (chinese junk only if you're dumping the vehicle immediately, IMO).
If you plan on keeping and using it, the HDS housing makes sense to me. The way I figure, the cost comparison breaks even at the third OEM 'stat, and for me that's about 4ish years. After that it's money saved.
THAT is only figuring cost vs mileage. There are likely other small intangible values, such as mileage gains, and engine longevity from proper operating temperature control, but that wasn't figured in.
Also, with any OEM type, proper changes tend to be delayed or avoided because it's a PITA to do your self, and quite expensive to have someone else do. With the HDS, proper changes are easy for anybody, in their driveway, with simple hand tools. 15-30 minutes, depending on how hot it is, and how many beer breaks are taken.
The only gamble, really, is whether or not the Jeep and I make it that long, and I don't figure on giving up early.